The best cat Christmas photos come from a set built before the cat arrives, a camera already in burst mode at cat eye level, soft window light instead of flash, and a costume that goes on last and comes off fast. Plan for a 30 second window, use treats or a toy to get the look, and take dozens of frames so one of them is the card.
Every felon has a short attention span for photo shoots. These are the setups and tricks that get the shot while the suspect is still cooperating.
What is the best setup for a cat Christmas photo?
The best setup is a small, warm spot your cat already likes, dressed with a few festive props, close to a window. Build it completely before you bring the cat in, so the only thing left to do is dress them and shoot.
- Spot: their favorite blanket, armchair or a cozy corner near the tree. Cats relax faster somewhere familiar.
- Background: tree lights blurred behind them, a plain throw, or a wrapped gift box. Keep it simple so the cat is the star.
- Props: pet safe only. Skip tinsel, ribbon, ornaments with hooks and anything they could chew or swallow. Keep candles out of the scene entirely.
How do you get a cat to look at the camera?
You get a cat to look at the camera by putting something they want right beside the lens. Hold a treat, a feather toy or a crinkly wrapper just above your phone, or have a helper do it while you shoot. A quick squeak or a whisper of their name gets the ears forward for a second, and that is your frame.
Shoot at their eye level, not from above. Get down on the floor. Photos taken from standing height make cats look small and grumpy, and photos at their level look like a portrait.
What camera settings work best for cat photos?
On a phone, turn on burst mode and shoot continuously, turn the flash off, and tap to focus on the eyes. Cats move constantly, and burst mode gives you dozens of frames to pick from. Flash startles most cats and gives them glowing eyes, so use window light or warm room lamps instead. Portrait mode blurs the background nicely when your cat holds still for a moment.
When should the costume go on?
The costume should go on last, after the set is built, the light is right and the camera is open. Every second spent adjusting a ring light is a second your cat spends wondering why they are wearing a hat.
- Set the scene and test the light with no cat.
- Bring your cat in and let them settle with a treat.
- Put the costume on, reward immediately, and start shooting.
- Take it off within a few minutes, or sooner if they show stress, and finish with a big treat.
If your cat has not worn a costume before, practice first. Our guide on how to get your cat to wear a Christmas costume covers the step by step method and the stress signs to watch for.
Which Christmas costumes photograph best on cats?
Costumes with a clear silhouette photograph best, because they read instantly in a small card or a phone feed. A standing Santa or Santa rider gets the biggest reaction. A reindeer hooded cape or Santa hooded cape is the easier middle ground. A Santa hat or bib is the quick win for cats who only give you ten seconds.
Want options for different shots? You can mix any Fuzzy Felons looks in a bundle, and 5 looks ship free in the US. Christmas orders need to be in by November 29 at 11:59 pm ET, and delivery takes 8 to 17 business days. Browse every look on our Christmas costumes for cats page.
How do you photograph a cat and a dog together?
Photograph them separately first, then together, and only if both are calm. Put the more relaxed pet down first, bring the second in with a treat, and shoot fast. If either one gets tense, stop and use the solo shots. A side by side collage of two good solo photos beats one tense group photo every time.
FAQ
What time of day is best for cat photos?
Late morning or early afternoon near a window gives soft, bright light. Many cats are also sleepier and calmer after a meal.
How many photos should I take?
Take as many as you can in burst mode. Expect to keep one or two great frames out of every hundred.
My cat won't sit still. What now?
Shoot them doing what they already do: curled in a blanket, batting a toy under the tree, mid yawn. Candid shots often make the best cards.
Written by the Fuzzy Felons team. Last updated October 2026.